You might know them as eggplants or you might know them as aubergines, but they are exactly the same plant. The English prefer the latter name, while in North America we use the former.
Eggplants are berries because they come from one flower with a single ovary. They are fleshy fruits that do not have a pit in the middle. Other fruits you might not know are berries are bananas and avocados. On the other side of the coin, two fruits you probably consider berries, strawberries and raspberries, are not classified as fruits. Botany, or the study of plants, can be confusing. Call an eggplant what you want, just make sure to grow it and more importantly, eat it.
In order to explain what a fruit is, let’s start with vegetables. A vegetable is any part of a plant that we eat. This includes the roots (think carrots), stems (celery) and leaves (spinach). A fruit is what grows on the plant that will transport its seeds. A fruit is the reproductive part of the plant that comes from a flowering plant. See this beautiful purple flower? It will produce (hopefully) a delicious Indian eggplant.
This year, I decided to plant the Black Beauties directly in the soil in the vegetable garden but I’m growing the Indian eggplant in a pot. They are both doing great. How did mine turn out so well, and how can you grow eggplant too? Start with the proper soil. Eggplants love warm soil that drains easily and is enriched with compost. Space the plants two to three feet apart (0.60 to 1 meter). Keep the soil moist and use continuously releasing fertilizer.
Eggplants come in an array of shapes, sizes and colors. We grow the traditional Black Beauty eggplants, the big deep purple globes you see at grocery stores, as well as Indian eggplants (dwarf eggplants). While you might be used to seeing purple eggplants, they can be green, white, and even striped.
Eggplants are heat loving plants. Start them indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost or buy transplants at your local nursery after your last frost. We purchased our Black Beauties at a garden center but by luck discovered the Indian eggplant at a farmer’s market. Next spring we’ll start Graffiti eggplants indoors. Those are the beautiful purple and white striped eggplants.
Eggplant vs. Aubergine vs. Brinjal — Why so many names?
FAQ
What is the difference between eggplant and aubergine?
Why do they call aubergine eggplant?
Why do Americans say eggplant?
What’s the difference between eggplant and brinjal?
Is aubergine the same as eggplant?
Aubergine is a word that is commonly used in British English. Almost all of the native British English speakers know about this word. And this word means an eggplant in American English. So basically, aubergine and eggplant refers to the same thing. If you are living in London or some places in Europe, you might be very familiar with aubergine.
What are some eggplant recipes?
Braised eggplant, eggplant lasagna, eggplant bread, eggplant skewers, eggplant kebab, eggplant caponata, eggplant wrap. This is a very versatile vegetable, just google it and choose your favorite recipe.
What does eggplant & aubergine taste like?
The texture of eggplant and aubergine is generally smooth and slightly spongy, with a firm flesh that softens when cooked. The skin is edible, but can be tough in some varieties. The taste of eggplant and aubergine is mild and slightly bitter, with a slightly sweet aftertaste.
Is eggplant the same as eggplant?
On the flip side, Eggplant is the term used in American English for the very same vegetable, recognized for its unique texture and rich flavor. In various parts of the world, either Aubergine or Eggplant might be more recognized.